Welcome To The Latest
TGJ Roundtable!
Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!
Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.
Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, Rashad, Joe, and Ryan – get real in a very candid way.
Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…
Super Bowl Halftime Show 2022
Sam
For me, it was hard having much in the way of expectations from this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show because, until now, we’d never seen a line-up as collectively seismic as this.
It goes without saying that each of the artists featured posses talent, success, and a catalog that could easily have seen them headline solo. So, packing all into one spectacle was a tall task; a task that Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar largely succeeded with…for the most part.
Playing like a mega-mix of nostalgic bops that serve the foundation of the Hip-Hop driven landscape we live in today, the song choices delighted me while still leaving me wanting more.
Indeed, while Dr. Dre hit the lion’s share of his marks, I longed to hear Snoop Dogg command 100 million people to ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot.’
Similarly, while MJB turned the SoFi Stadium into a “dancery” with ‘Family Affair,’ the pseudo-producer in me felt there was a slightly missed opportunity not pairing that track with another uptempo ala ‘Real Love’ or ‘Just Fine.’ Still, ‘No More Drama’ is a stadium-sized classic and blew the proverbial roof off the building. It’s also a personal testimony for the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, so it worked.
When it comes to spectacle, which I felt could have been ever so slightly amped up, there’s no denying that Kendrick Lamar was the MVP. From the energy to the synchronicity to the scale. Next level.
Other highlights included Eminem taking a knee, 50 Cent’s meme-worthy cameo, and the brief but sweet appearance of Anderson. Paak.
I’m typically most roused by the all-out, fireworks, and flying-flavored Halftime Show’s. But this certainly delivered a touchdown moment for the culture. A moment that was oh so deserved.
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Rashad
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Joe
A home run!
This year’s Super Bowl extravaganza was a true success. I was initially confused by the line-up, but everything just felt right.
Snoop and Dre brought the classic LA vibes, Mary repped New York with her unique edge and grit, Kendrick provided the spectacle, and Eminem the excitement.
From the set design to the army of dancers, it felt like a huge block party and definitely a moment for the Urban world as a whole.
Congrats to everyone for making the 2022 Halftime performance one of the best in recent years… everyone except for 50 Cent.
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Ryan
Another year, another Super Bowl has officially come and gone. With five headlining acts, one would think that this should be the biggest and most elaborate one in all of history, so was it? Well, no. From the mostly drab set design to some snooze performances, this Super Bowl felt more like a commercial break than anything else. That’s not to say that there weren’t a handful of good moments. Case in point, Eminem really showed up and showed out when he took a knee. The NFL warns him not to do it, and he does it anyway? That’s icon behavior right there. Then to have Kendrick alone is a win for the Super Bowl. That’s not even mentioning the fact that he ran away with the best performance of the night. From the synchronized dancers to the socially conscious themes across his performance, he really took home the trophy this year.
That being said, this is in no way anything against Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, or Dr. Dre. They are all legends. However, they didn’t really deliver what needs to be delivered at a Super Bowl. The songs are all amazing and Snoop always brings the fun everywhere he goes. However, a lack of dancers or any kind of zest made it feel rather plain compared to what these performers are all capable of giving. I didn’t bother to mention 50 Cent, because why was he here? Honestly, it felt out of place and just not needed.
So, while this Super Bowl could have been amazing it felt like a snooze fest. One where it was best to just hit the snooze buttons and catch some more z’s than the performance.
Do you agree with our views? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the Super Bowl Halftime Show 2022?
You guys dont have any taste, so ur opinions dont count.
Savage
Says the guy obsessed with Camila cabello of all people?! The racist rat who only dates gay white men!!
U are the epitome of no taste
So what? That’s her choice. Love is love. You mad coz not a single white man look you in the eyes. Lol
I’m largely with Ryan on this one. I didn’t buy into the whole “Avengers/Super Team” hype. None of them I would pay to see in concert. Hits aplenty, but not showmen with the exception of Kendrick. Now, Kendrick SOLO at the SuperBowl would have been the “blackety-blackest” halftime thus far AND a feast for the eyes…
Mary just sold out Barclays center December 2021 15,000 plus no other act so who gives a f u k what u think
There are plenty of acts that sell out arenas I wouldn’t pay to see: Dua Lipa, BTS, Rolling Stones, Madonna. What does that have to do with the fact that none of these artists are compelling showmen except Kendrick? Mary has her little bop dance that people like to see but VISUALLY she doesn’t do it for me. She has a great catalogue but so do many other artists, including the ones featured in the halftime show. Doesn’t make for an automatically compelling watch…your homework assignment is Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Prince halftime shows LOL.
APÈmila the illgál mònkèy isn’t allowed to American to gatherings such as the halftime show. She’ll be cleaning the stadium along side her illgãl cousins and grandma💯 Diva knows that’s right !!💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻
You are NO diva, hunnie! Just a bald, old, fat man with a pencil dîck.
APÈmila the illegal flop mónkèy will NOT attend American gatherings such as the Super Bowl! Trump will make sure of tht and you know Diva approves.💋💅🏻💅🏻
Overall, it was a s-h-I-t show which was full of clowns
I must be the only one who thought Eminem taking a knee was just him closing his set, because of how it fit with the music. Lol. I didn’t know any different until I saw the headlines. The media is blowing it up and trying to grab onto any little controversy they can to draw the ire of anyone who doesn’t care for Eminem and the others.
For some reason your comment got me dy-ying 😂😂
Literally everyone, from the Guardian to Time magazine…ya know, reputable sites, have given this performance 5 star reviews. But y’all hating ass queens have given this a horrible review because all you know is weaves , leotards and Booty shaking. Y’all are pathetic and have no input to culture and have idea of what artistry is. Please . Spare us! NEXT!
Exactly!!!
Period
I think the half time show was good, but it was lack luster. Where was the fireworks or fire, no one rising from the stage, to me, like gaga Performance it was safe. Mary j was getting into her groove then it ended. It was a safe Performance that’s what they wanted. Nothing over the top.
NO ONE CAN BEAT THE LEGENDARY JLO .
Only person I agree with is Ryan. This was NOT IT this year!!!
Am I the only one who’s underwhelmed? Like why “no more drama” Mary? instead of real love…??? Whoever designed the set should’ve been fired at the pitch… Nobody saw s*** from the back… Kendrick’s piece was the only thing that looked better rehearsed. NFL Bring Usher & Chris brown next year or something?
We are going through pandemic loss of lives that song was perfect we sick of c**** no more
Where Monica? Oh that’s right, squatting and taking a pîss in the trenches somewhere…
Lol the NFL played black folks with this “show” big time, and they don’t even realize it. Then again, what else is new.
The halftime show was fire!!!! Anyone who disagrees is a s***** bttm.
The songs reminded me of my childhood!
Those moments were heartwarming, but in the end, I can not ever be okay with Eminem appearing anywhere, let alone Superbowl.
He was a Grammy and an Oscar-rewarded artist for his work full of homophobia, misogyny, and diss on the weak ones.
If you ever wondered how Mr.Trump was possible, it was plain clear to find the moment when.
When things he “rapped” about not only were played on MTV and radio stations but REWARDED and applauded for his hate, anger, and overall bullying, the general hatred was validated and encouraged.
It was so hard being a teenager when you had – bullied the weaker behavior validated by The highest achievements.
It became desirable and popular behavior!
Completely disagree with Ryan, I LOVED the set design. I think it helps if you watch it on a really big screen too because the optical illusion from the bird’s eye views was so lovely to see. It was so much more refreshing than just some any stage. Loved the energy every single one of them brought, it’s so nice to see professionals do their job, which you obviously don’t see in the newbies who are still finding their feet (RESPECTFULLY).
It was genuinely exciting to watch and I really didn’t want it to end. AND I AGREE WITH SAM. I felt like I was deprived of snoop, it almost feels violent. LOL. As much as I loved the show, the first thing I said was ‘what about snoop’. Can you imagine the intros of any of his bangers filling that stadium. and he’s RIGHT THERE? Gaslighting.
I didn’t mind 50s performance lolll but I’m not gonna rush to defend a professional troll.